Medication changes - Scared!!
 

Guys I need some advice..

I have major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder with a bit of OCD and anorexia thrown in. Long story short, I was on aropax (that worked for a while then stopped working), then I tried Effexor which didn't work at all, now I'm on 60mg Lovan (prozac) which I now have to come off. My experience with withdrawals from aropax and effexor were brutal, I needed to be hospitalised.

So, I saw my psychiatrist today and she presented me with 2 scripts. One was for Mirtazapine (avanza) and one was for Clomipramine (Anafranil). I've also been told to stop my valium for the minute (I was only on 5mg every other day before bed) and switch to seroquel 25mg before bed (I had the XR once, had horrible side effects) to ease my anxiety.

My question is, has anyone had any experience with these 2 drugs, avanza and anafranil, which one should I choose? I'm very athletic and the anorexia means I am obsessed with body image, so weight gain and sedation aren't great. However my psychiatrist said to try this one first. Also, any experiences of withdrawals from Lovan?

I know this isn't a drug forum but I was hoping someone may have had some experience. I'm scared out of my mind and my anxiety is through the roof. Not seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, because the tunnel is about to get a whole lot darker. I don't want to end up back in that room with the camera and the bed in the emergency ward..

Good afternoon user
 

I want you to know you found a great site. Welcome to Neuro talk. There are alot of people on this site who have experience and knowledge of these medications. Someone will be able to address you guestions and concerns. I know it is hard to reduce anxiety, fear, and all those other emotions. You are right, that coming off some medications can induce a most unpleasant experience. Depression is in my family too. I have been in the same boat also, and came to this site with many different medical problems. I found compassion and a group of people who stick with me through all of it. Please feel free to go around to the different boards. Mrs. D is quite knowledgeable about many medications. I think she does alot of research. I really hope your situation improves, and that you find a medication with your doctor that can really help you. I am here too if you ever need to talk, or vent. Take care, ginnie

Are you good with internet search? I would look online for information, too. zit give that much info more to what those here tell? not hurt to know.

These drugs work great when they FINALLY get the right onr but until then they are awful. i am sorry you go through all this, user. :(:(

Hi Just Sad
 

I have not forgotten about you. If you need me to help look up a specific drug or some research, I will. Just let me know what you want to find out. This site will try to answer as many questions as we can. ginnie

mertazapine
 

[I have been taking Mertazapine (Remeron) in different dosages for years as an anti-depressant. Sometimes alone, sometimes with other drugs. When I'm doing well (not stressed out from work generally), it seems to help keep me on track. When I allow myself to get stressed out, I've taken it in addition to Seroquel, Effexor and others for defined periods of time to get back under control. I have GAD as well and take alprozolam as needed for attacks.

The mertazapine (for me, a mid fifties reasonably active male in pretty good shape) has has relatively no sleep impacts, little impact to diet cravings (over or under eating) and has minimum sexual side effects. Overall, good benefit to me.

I have no experience with the other drug.

Hi Just Sad
 

I am good at research. I would look up anything you want. John says hello. take care and know that you are not alone. ginnie